What a guy.
I know it's just publicity, but I love when stars do stuff like this -- not even the paying for dinner part (which is awfully nice), but just making himself available to the fans and creating a dialogue.
I am a fan of this guy. His play on the field will come and go, but I really appreciate him trying to be a good guy and a part of the community, off the field. Saying the right things matters.
Props.
I agree it is nice when they do this the meeting fans part. But his out of pocket might be small or even nothing.
I know if I owned a restaurant and an NFL star wanted to buy dinner for 50 people I would give him one hell of a deal, might do it entirely for free. 50 people who may have never heard of my place or who have heard of my place and have been meaning to give it a try. Sure some those who show up would be existing regulars...but I have a very good shot at getting a dozen or so new regulars.
Plus there was probably a radio station "broadcasting live from the parking lot of Weston Chilli's" A quick clip on the local news afterwards and it could prompt, "you know honey I have always been meaning to try that place" "me too, we should go this weekend, in various homes.
And finally I doubt only 50 people showed up. Customer number 51 is paying his own way to be in the same restaurant as BM.
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